Arum says federal boxing commission a good idea

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum is open to the idea of creating a federal commission to regulate boxing, which was proposed by Senators John McCain of Arizona and Harry Reid of Nevada.

“First, I have to say that Sen. McCain and Sen. Reid have always supported boxing and have always loved boxing,” Arum said, as quoted by Boxing Scene.

“Yes, I would be in favor of a federal boxing commission,” he added.

McCain and Reid’s proposal for a federal commission came at the heels of the controversial decision in the high-profile bout between Filipino icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr.

Although Pacquiao landed more punches – including a greater number of power punches – and was more effective throughout the 12-round encounter, Bradley was still awarded a split decision win.

The result was widely derided by boxing fans and media, and the circumstances of the scoring is being investigated by the Nevada State’s Attorney General’s office. It is also being reviewed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Last week, the World Boxing Organization, the sanctioning body during the Pacquiao-Bradley bout, announced that a panel of five international judges unanimously re-scored the fight in Pacquiao’s favor.

Although he is in favor of the federal boxing commission, Arum still has a few warnings for the senators.